Rudy Gobert's early-season performance somewhat sums up the Minnesota Timberwolves' puzzling start to the year. That is to say, there's a lot that doesn't make sense. The Wolves' defense is amazing with him on the court, but awful with him off the court. On the offensive end of the court, the opposite is true to a lesser degree.
Gobert's 9.5 points per game marks his lowest average since the 2015-16 season, and at 33 years old, it's fair to wonder if he is declining. Likewise, his 9.5 points are his lowest PPG average since 2014-15, which was his second season. However, Gobert has also had moments when he's looked like his typical self. Including when he put up 14 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and four stocks (steals plus blocks) against the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday.
What is clear, though, is that when Gobert is producing at a high level, the Wolves are at their best. Notably, when Gobert scores 10-plus points, Minnesota is 3-0, but they're 0-3 when he scores fewer than 10 points. This should give Gobert and the Wolves a clear blueprint going forward.
Gobert's role in the offense has two sides
Gobert's 11.2 usage rate is the lowest of his career, which includes his rookie season when he averaged fewer than 10 minutes per game. Part of this usage rate is the Wolves not making it a priority to get Gobert involved.
Say what you will about Mike Conley, but playing him certainly benefits Gobert. Notably, 33.6 percent of passes made to Gobert have come from Conley, while Donte DiVincenzo's 17.6 percent rank second.
Nevertheless, some of this falls on Gobert, simply being more aggressive. He could do a better job rolling to the basket at times, which would open up easy offense for him and Minnesota. Before Saturday's game, 41 percent of Gobert's made field goals came off putbacks. The 7-foot-1 center can certainly use his size more to score around the rim.
One thing that holds Gobert back offensively is his hands. Gobert recorded 11 assists and seven turnovers. For his career, Gobert has 200 more turnovers than assists. Given that this has been a problem throughout his career, it's unlikely to change on a consistent basis. However, it's clear that when Gobert takes care of the ball and is involved in the offense, this Wolves squad reaches another level.
Once Anthony Edwards returns to the lineup (likely next week), the dynamics of the offense will change. Regardless, it's clear that Gobert must play aggressively, and the Wolves must look to get him involved. Undoubtedly, Gobert's impact, especially on offense, will be a swing factor for the Timberwolves all season.